Is Ne Zha Over Powered?

The latest God to be introduced to the popular MOBA game, SMITE, was Ne Zha, the Third Lotus Prince. Ne Zha’s story is one of tragedy as he was forced to reckon with the forces of the Dragon God Ao Kuang. After defeating Ao Kuang’s son Ne Zha sacrificed himself through fear of reprisal on his people. However despite Ne Zha’s sacrifice Ao Kuang still sent floods and storms to ravage his lands, prompting the Immortal Sage Taiyi Zhenren to use Lotus Petals to bring Ne Zha back to life. Presenting Ne Zha with new powers and abilities the young God once again stood at the forefront of battle, fearless for one so young.

As with every new God that joins SMITE there are immediately calls of them being over powered and Ne Zha isn’t any different. His burst damage is legendary, to the point of where he can carry entire teams without even the need of getting fed. A Ne Zha player becomes dominant towards late game and regardless of K/D ratio or current tower state, a fully built Ne Zha is vicious enough to solo the Fire Giant and Minotaur.

I’ve played 75 matches with Ne Zha so I like to think I’ve got a little experience with the new God. I hear many people call out for complete nerfs to practically all of his abilities but there’s only really 1 as I feel is a serious problem; Flaming Spear. This ability gives Ne Zha a 55% increase in attack speed at maximum level and a 15% increase in critical hit chance. If there is any area of Ne Zha that is over powered it is this ability. I can 2-3 shot tanks, ADC’s, mages, practically any enemy god in the game with a full build and an activation of Flaming Spear.

His other abilities are all very easy countered and even Flaming Spear can backfire when used on a God with a decent melee defense build. Universe Ring Toss can be devastating damage during early game laning phases but only because enemy God’s stand in close proximity to each other or minions, making it exceptionally easy for a skilled Ne Zha to bounce multiple attacks between his opponents.

His passive is also utter useless. When Ne Zha dies he leaves behind a small area that offers allies increase regen based on Ne Zha’s HP. It’s not a bad ability in itself but I have never once, in 75 games, seen a low HP God sit in the circle. They would all rather push forward and try to claim the last hit on that impossible kill.

The ultimate ability, Wind Fire Wheels, sees Ne Zha launch an opponent into the air with the opportunity of dealing critical hits. Although quite powerful this move isn’t really a problem until Ne Zha gets a Death Bringer for the additional critical hit damage, but it’s a great tool for taking an opponent out of a fight for 2-3 seconds.

Overall I do not consider Ne Zha to need huge nerfs. I feel a slight reduction in the attack speed for Flaming Spear would be warranted, maybe down to 45%? But outside of that I think Ne Zha is a great addition for players that enjoy intense melee combat without the notoriously cheap escape mechanics of Loki.